For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 9, 2005
World Freedom Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
On November 9, 1989, citizens of East Germany crowded the checkpoints at
the Berlin Wall and forced their way to freedom. In the ensuing weeks and
months, this unquenchable thirst for liberty led to the collapse of the
Soviet empire and the downfall of communism in the Soviet Union. Today,
most of the Central and Eastern European nations that once formed part of
the Soviet bloc are thriving democracies and allies in the cause of peace
and freedom.
The fall of the Berlin Wall showed the world that the love of liberty is
stronger than the will of tyranny. In this new century, free nations are
again responding to a global campaign of terror with a global campaign of
freedom. We are working to extend the promise of freedom in our country,
to renew the values that sustain our liberty, and to spread the peace that
freedom brings.
On World Freedom Day, we commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the
reunification of the German people. We honor the men and women who fought
against communist oppression and all those who continue to fight against
tyranny. We also renew our commitment to advancing liberty, democracy, and
human rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
laws of the United States, do hereby
proclaim November 9, 2005, as World Freedom Day. I call upon the people of
the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities and to reaffirm their dedication to freedom and democracy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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